A 1x drivetrain can make gravel riding simpler, quieter, and easier to manage when the route turns rough. With one front chainring and a wide-range cassette, you get straightforward shifting and fewer components exposed to mud and debris.
Our selection includes complete gravel and road bikes alongside compatible 1x drivetrain components, covering efficient commuters, fast all-road riders, and riders building a custom setup.
Best 10 Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain Picks for 2026
Carbon All-Terrain Pick
SAVADECK T800 Carbon Gravel Bike
- Lightweight T800 carbon frame and fork
- Hydraulic discs with 700x40c tires
- 90% assembled with tools included
Best For: Mixed-surface riders who prioritize low weight and confident braking
1x Drivetrain Upgrade
microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset
- 40T chainring for 9/10-speed 1x groups
- 110mm asymmetric four-bolt BCD
- Compatible bottom bracket sold separately
Best For: Compatible Sword 1x drivetrain builds and crankset replacements
Road-Oriented Alternative
HILAND 700C Aluminum Road Bike
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- 14-speed derailleur drivetrain
- 700C wheels and multiple sizes
Best For: Road-focused commuting with occasional gravel riding
Complete 1x Groupset
microSHIFT Advent X 10-Speed Kit
- 10-speed shifting and rear derailleur
- Wide-range 11-48T cassette
- Includes drop-bar brake and shift levers
Best For: 1x10 gravel or MTB-style drivetrain conversions
Budget Commuter Option
- Lightweight aluminum frame
- Dual-disc braking system
- 14-speed drivetrain
Best For: Daily commuting and urban riding
Best for Everyday Use
- 40T 1x chainring
- 50mm chainline design
- 24mm spindle included
Best For: Compatible gravel-bike drivetrain upgrades
Carbon Gravel Performance Pick
- 10.4kg carbon frame and fork
- Shimano GRX400 20-speed groupset
- 700x40c tires and hydraulic brakes
Best For: Mixed-surface gravel adventures
Trail-Ready Component
microSHIFT Sword Black 42T 1x Crankset
- 42T single-chainring design
- Aluminum crank arms and chainring
- 50mm chainline for Sword 1x groups
Best For: Compatible microSHIFT Sword gravel and trail builds
Fast Road Alternative
- 8.9 kg carbon road-bike design
- 24-speed double drivetrain
- 700x25C tires and hydraulic disc brakes
Best For: Paved-road riders wanting a lightweight carbon bike
Compact 1x Build Option
microSHIFT Sword Black 40T 1x Crankset
- 40T single-chainring configuration
- Aluminum construction with 50mm chainline
- Specified with 165mm crank arms
Best For: Sword 1x gravel builds favoring a 40T ring
Carbon All-Terrain Pick – SAVADECK T800 Carbon Gravel Bike
For riders comparing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain options, this SAVADECK stands out for its lightweight carbon construction, hydraulic disc brakes, and 700x40c tires. Note that the supplied specifications list a Shimano U6000 11-speed setup in the title, while the details also report 22 speeds, so verify the exact configuration before ordering.
Best For: Riders seeking a lightweight carbon bike for paved roads, commuting, and unpaved trails.
Pros:
- T800 carbon frame and fork with a listed weight of 10.4 kg.
- Hydraulic disc brakes offer consistent stopping power.
- 700x40c tires and 45-spoke wheels suit mixed terrain.
- Arrives 90% pre-assembled with tools included.
Cons:
- The supplied details conflict with the title about the drivetrain speed count.
- Only a 51cm size is specified in the supplied information.
Its carbon frame, wide tires, and hydraulic braking make it a capable all-rounder, but drivetrain and fit details should be confirmed before purchase.
1x Drivetrain Upgrade – microSHIFT Sword Black 1x Crankset
This microSHIFT Sword Black crankset is a component option for building or refreshing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems. It uses a 40-tooth chainring, a 110mm asymmetric four-bolt BCD, and a JIS square-taper interface, with the compatible bottom bracket sold separately.
Best For: Riders assembling or upgrading a compatible 9- or 10-speed 1x gravel drivetrain.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups.
- 40-tooth chainring provides a straightforward 1x setup.
- Aluminum crank arms and chainring help keep the component durable.
- Backed by a listed four-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- Compatible bottom bracket is sold separately.
- Not compatible with 2x chainrings.
- JIS square-taper interface requires matching bottom-bracket compatibility.
This is a targeted crankset rather than a complete bike or groupset, so check your bottom-bracket dimensions, crank length, and existing Sword components before buying.
Road-Oriented Alternative – HILAND 700C Aluminum Road Bike
Although it is marketed as a road bike rather than one of the more focused gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain designs, this HILAND offers a 14-speed derailleur system and compatibility with paved roads, commuting, and gravel according to the supplied notes. Its aluminum frame and 700C wheels emphasize efficient road riding.
Best For: Commuters and recreational riders who mainly use paved roads with occasional gravel.
Pros:
- Lightweight, stiff aluminum frame is suited to commuting and sport riding.
- 14-speed drivetrain provides a broad range of gearing.
- 700C wheels are designed for efficient rolling and handling bumps.
- Available in S, M, and L sizing with listed rider-height ranges.
Cons:
- Dual caliper brakes are less gravel-oriented than hydraulic disc brakes.
- The supplied details identify a front-and-rear derailleur configuration, not a 1x setup.
- Only 85% assembled, so additional setup is required.
This bike makes more sense as an efficient road and commuting option than as a dedicated 1x gravel platform. Its sizing choices are useful, but riders prioritizing rougher trails may prefer disc brakes and wider tires.
Complete 1x Groupset – microSHIFT Advent X 10-Speed Kit
For riders converting or assembling gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, this microSHIFT Advent X kit supplies the key shifting and rear-drive components for a 10-speed system. It includes a right shifter/brake lever, left brake lever, 11-48T cassette, and Advent X rear derailleur.
Best For: Gravel or MTB-style 1×10 builds needing a wide-range cassette and compatible controls.
Pros:
- Includes a 10-speed right shifter/brake lever and left brake lever.
- 11-48T cassette offers a wide gearing range.
- Includes an Advent X rear derailleur designed for the kit.
- Provides a practical component bundle for a drivetrain conversion.
Cons:
- The kit does not list a crankset or chain among the included components.
- Supplied as OEM packaging rather than retail packaging.
- Listed warranty period is only 100 days.
This kit is a convenient starting point for a wide-range 1×10 conversion, but confirm that your frame, crankset, chain, and brake setup are compatible before purchasing.
Budget Commuter Option – Max4out 700C Road Bike
If you are comparing gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, note that this Max4out is a 14-speed road bike with a chain-drive system rather than a 1x drivetrain. Still, its lightweight aluminum frame, 700C wheels, and dual-disc brakes make it a practical option for paved roads, urban riding, and occasional gravel paths.
Best For: Daily commuters and budget-minded riders who want a lightweight road-style bike with multiple gears and disc brakes.
Pros:
- Lightweight aluminum frame designed for stiffness and durability.
- Dual-disc brakes provide control in wet conditions and on descents.
- 14-speed drivetrain supports varied urban and gravel riding.
- Includes an installation toolkit and arrives 85% pre-assembled.
Cons:
- It is not a 1x drivetrain, so it does not directly match the target configuration.
- Designed primarily for paved roads and urban terrain.
- The listed 220-pound capacity and 5’3″-to-6’0″ fit range may limit compatibility for some riders.
This is best viewed as a commuter-oriented alternative rather than one of the gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain. Its 700C wheels, disc brakes, and 14 speeds offer useful everyday versatility, but riders specifically seeking a simple 1x gravel setup should consider another option.
Best for Everyday Use – microSHIFT Sword 1x Crankset
microSHIFT Sword 1x Crankset - 170mm, 10-Speed, 40t, 110 Asym BCD, 24mm Spindle, Black, Gray
Check Price On AmazonFor riders building or upgrading gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain systems, the microSHIFT Sword crankset is a focused component rather than a complete bicycle. Its 40-tooth chainring, 170mm crank length, and wide 50mm chainline are designed for compatible road-disc and mountain-bike hub setups.
Best For: Riders converting a compatible bike to a 1x setup or replacing a crankset on an unpaved-trail-oriented build.
Pros:
- 40-tooth chainring supports a straightforward 1x configuration.
- Wide design is optimized for a 50mm chainline.
- Includes a 24mm Hollowtech II-compatible spindle.
- Can be converted from 1x to 2x with compatible microSHIFT Sword chainrings.
Cons:
- This is a crankset only, not a complete gravel bike.
- Compatibility should be confirmed with the bike, bottom bracket, hubs, and drivetrain.
- The supplied details identify a 10-speed component, so it may not suit every cassette and shifter combination.
Among these products, this is the most directly relevant to gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain because it is purpose-built around a 1x crankset. Verify chainline, spindle, and drivetrain compatibility before purchasing.
Carbon Gravel Performance Pick – SAVADECK Carbon Gravel Bike
The SAVADECK is a complete gravel bike with a lightweight T800 carbon frame and fork, 700x40c tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a Shimano GRX400 20-speed drivetrain. It is well equipped for road-to-trail riding, although its listed front-and-rear derailleur configuration means it is not a 1x drivetrain.
Best For: Riders seeking a lightweight carbon gravel bike for mixed paved roads, unpaved trails, and longer adventures.
Pros:
- T800 carbon frame and fork keep the listed weight to 10.4kg.
- Shimano GRX400 shifting is designed for gravel-oriented riding.
- Hydraulic disc brakes provide controlled stopping in varied conditions.
- 700x40c tires offer stability and traction on rough terrain.
Cons:
- It uses a 20-speed front-and-rear derailleur setup rather than a 1x drivetrain.
- Its 51cm size may not suit every rider.
- Carbon construction and hydraulic components may be more than casual commuters need.
This is the strongest complete-bike choice here for mixed-surface performance, especially if low weight, wide tires, and hydraulic braking matter more than having a 1x setup. Riders specifically shopping for gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain should look for a bike with a single front chainring instead.
Trail-Ready Component – microSHIFT Sword Black 42T 1x Crankset
For riders building gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, the microSHIFT Sword Black 42T crankset offers a focused single-chainring configuration for unpaved trails. Its aluminum construction, 50mm chainline, and 110mm asymmetric four-bolt BCD are designed around Sword 1x groups.
Best For: Gravel and trail-oriented builds using a compatible microSHIFT Sword 1x drivetrain.
Pros:
- 42-tooth chainring supports a simple 1x setup.
- Aluminum crank arms and chainring keep the design straightforward.
- Uses a 50mm chainline and asymmetric four-bolt BCD.
- Compatible with a 68x113mm JIS square-taper bottom bracket.
Cons:
- Bottom bracket is sold separately.
- Not compatible with 2x chainrings.
- Best suited to Sword Black or Sword 1x groups.
This is a practical choice when you are assembling a compatible gravel drivetrain and want a 42T single ring. Confirm the bottom-bracket standard, crank-arm length, and group compatibility before ordering.
Fast Road Alternative – SAVADECK A7L Carbon Road Bike
The SAVADECK A7L is a lightweight carbon road bike, but it is not one of the gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain configurations: its supplied specifications list a 24-speed, double drivetrain and 700x25C tires. It may suit paved-road riders who prioritize low weight, hydraulic braking, and speed-oriented equipment.
Best For: Paved-road riders seeking a lightweight carbon bike with a double drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes.
Pros:
- T800 carbon frame, fork, seatpost, and carbon wheelset weigh 8.9 kg according to the supplied notes.
- Hydraulic disc brakes provide strong stopping performance.
- Fully internal cable routing and aerodynamic design create a clean road-bike setup.
- Ships 85% assembled and includes clipless pedals.
Cons:
- Uses a double drivetrain rather than a 1x setup.
- 700x25C tires and paved-road positioning are less gravel-focused.
- Its 24-speed configuration does not match a gravel 1x buying brief.
Although the A7L is not a direct match for this roundup’s target, it is worth considering only if your priorities have shifted toward fast paved-road riding. Riders specifically seeking gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain simplicity should look elsewhere.
Compact 1x Build Option – microSHIFT Sword Black 40T 1x Crankset
For gravel bikes with 1x drivetrain setups, the microSHIFT Sword Black 40T crankset provides a slightly smaller single chainring than the 42T version. It uses aluminum components, a 50mm chainline, and a 110mm asymmetric four-bolt BCD for compatible Sword 1x builds.
Best For: Riders assembling a compatible microSHIFT Sword 1x gravel setup who prefer a 40T chainring.
Pros:
- 40T chainring offers a dedicated single-ring configuration.
- Aluminum construction keeps the component design simple.
- 50mm chainline and 110mm asymmetric four-bolt BCD are specified.
- Designed for Sword Black or Sword 1x groups.
Cons:
- JIS square-taper bottom bracket is not included.
- Not compatible with 2x chainrings.
- Supplied listing specifies 165mm crank arms, limiting choice for riders needing another length.
The 40T option is a sensible pick for a Sword-based gravel build when you want a little less gearing than the 42T model. Verify the 165mm arm length and required 68x113mm bottom-bracket compatibility before purchase.
How We Picked These Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrains
We focused on drivetrain simplicity, gearing range, braking performance, wheel and tire compatibility, frame material, and overall use case. The list includes complete bikes and key 1x components because shoppers may be choosing either a ready-to-ride bicycle or parts for a conversion or replacement.
Product listings should be checked carefully for current sizing, included components, assembly requirements, and exact specifications. A bike described as a road model may not provide the tire clearance or mounting points expected from a dedicated gravel bike.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Prioritize | Typical Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed-surface adventure | Wide tires, hydraulic discs, low climbing gears | Carbon gravel bike with wide-range 1x gearing |
| Commuting and light gravel | Reliable shifting, practical fit, affordable maintenance | Aluminum bike or Advent X-style groupset |
| Fast paved riding | Efficient geometry, lighter wheels, closer gearing | Road-oriented bike with a compact 1x setup |
| Custom builds | Crank compatibility, cassette range, chainline | microSHIFT Sword or Advent X component |
Key Buying Factors for Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain
Gearing Range
Look beyond the number of speeds. A 40-tooth or 42-tooth chainring paired with a wide-range cassette can be useful for steep, loose climbs, while a larger chainring favors speed on pavement. Confirm the cassette’s largest cog and calculate whether the lowest gear suits your local terrain and fitness.
Tire Clearance and Wheel Size
Gravel riding benefits from wider tires that add traction and comfort. Check the maximum clearance for the frame and fork, including room for mud. Many 700C setups balance speed and rollover ability, while smaller wheels with wider tires can suit shorter riders or rougher trails.
Brakes, Fit, and Mounts
Hydraulic disc brakes generally offer stronger, more controlled braking than mechanical systems, especially in wet conditions. Fit remains more important than a small weight difference, so review the size chart and geometry. Rack, fender, and bottle mounts are valuable for commuting and bikepacking.
Compatibility and Maintenance
For a component purchase, verify the bottom-bracket interface, crank length, chainline, cassette body, derailleur capacity, and shifter compatibility. A 1x conversion may also require a suitable chain, narrow-wide chainring, cassette, and adjustment or installation work.
Who Should Buy Which Gravel Bikes with 1x Drivetrain?
Choose a complete carbon gravel bike if you want lower weight and a ready-to-ride package for longer mixed-surface routes. An aluminum road or commuter bike is often the better value for daily transport and mostly paved mileage. Choose an Advent X or Sword component when you already have a compatible frame and want to build or refresh a durable 1x system.
Riders who regularly tackle steep gravel should prioritize the widest practical cassette range and dependable hydraulic braking. If your routes are mainly smooth roads with occasional hardpack, a faster, higher-geared setup may feel more responsive and efficient.